Quick Italian Orzo Pasta Salad
This vibrant Italian Orzo Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 250 g Orzo (Risoni or other rice pasta)
- 200 g Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 100 g black olives (pitted and sliced)
- 100 g Mozzarella (cubed or mini mozzarella balls)
- 50 g sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and sliced)
- 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 handful fresh basil (roughly chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the dressing:
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp white vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Juice and zest of half a lemon
- 1 garlic clove (finely chopped or pressed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the dressing: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, the juice and zest of half a lemon, and 1 finely chopped garlic clove. Whisk well until a smooth emulsion forms. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled Orzo pasta with 200 g halved cherry tomatoes, 100 g sliced olives, 100 g cubed mozzarella, 50 g sun-dried tomatoes, 1 finely chopped red onion, and a handful of roughly chopped basil. Ensure everything is well distributed.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly so that all ingredients are evenly coated. This step ensures that every bite is full of flavor.
- Taste and serve: Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil if desired. The salad should taste fresh and aromatic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain its al dente texture. You can substitute olives with capers for a different flavor. For added crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.